Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors

As adults begin to age, a variety of factors can begin to play with their eating habits. Reduced metabolism, diminished senses, medications and illnesses can all be contributing factors to a senior’s eating habits. As a senior’s sense of taste and smell diminish, it is easy to increase the sodium they use to flavor foods and to increase their intake of sugary foods. Assisted living and independent living facilities can help seniors to eat a healthy diet that also incorporates gourmet cuisine.

By following healthy eating habits, seniors can improve their quality of life and learn to compensate for the changes going on in their bodies. Seniors should try to incorporate the following healthy eating tips:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables – For all ages, incorporating fruits and vegetables into a diet is a great way to stay healthy.
• Reduce sodium intake – Use ingredients that are low in sodium when cooking and avoid foods that are packed with sodium. Avoiding sodium can help lower blood pressure and reduce water retention.
• Enjoy healthy fats – The fats in fish, nuts, olive oil and avocados are helpful in protecting the body against bad levels of LDL cholesterol while also raising good levels of HDL cholesterol.
  
• Add fiber to your diet – Fiber can help regulate digestion and lower the risk of a variety of chronic diseases
  
• Avoid hidden sugars – Sugar can be hiding in things like bread, canned soup and fast food. Avoid these sugars and choose lower-carb options.
  
• Include five colors on a plate – Following this rule will make it easier to incorporate healthy fruits and veggies into your diet.
  
• Avoid bad carbs – Whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables are a great way to incorporate healthy carbs into your diet.

Having trouble keeping track of your loved one’s diet? Discuss an assisted living facility or retirement living facility with your loved one and contact Brookdale Senior Living to learn more about our communities.